Day 4: August 5, 2008 Into Oregon

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The morning drive south was pleasant but nothing really attracted the camera until I got to Aberdeen. There, I just had to take a picture. I don't know what I took a picture of but that's precisely why I took it. Hopefully someone will see this photo and tell me just what the trio of really big oar shaped things are.

RoadsideAmerica calls Raymond, WA, the "Town of Metal People". I did see some non-metal people but it's the metal ones who get all the attention and stand still for photographs.

This is the very attractive Pacific County courthouse in South Bend, Washington. As you can see, it was built in MCMX and that makes it XCVIII years old.

The Repps of American Road Magazine fame used to live in these parts and Becky recommended a meal at the Pig 'N Pancake. She meant the original in Seaside. OR, but, as my schedule developed, it looked like I might be there rather late in the day. When I suggested that I might have a sandwich there, her response was a simple "you'll want breakfast". I compromised, and, even though it was nearing 1:00 PM, had some pigs and pancakes at the second location in Astoria, OR. Great food and a friendly staff.

With some help from my waitress at the Pig 'N Pancake, I made it the Astoria Column despite a detour around some road work. This thing is extremely cool and offers some great views. Even greater views are to be had on the column's balcony but today it was closed for repairs.

A reconstruction of Lewis & Clark's Fort Clatsop is near Astoria. The Corps of Discovery spent the winter of 1805-06 here before turning toward home.

In the town of Seaside, OR, I turned onto Broadway with thoughts of at least saying hello to the folks at the original Pig 'N Pancake but found the street packed. At this time of year, Seaside is a very busy tourist town. I circled the Lewis & Clark statue at the official end of the Lewis & Clark Trail and headed out of town. .

Just south of Seaside, I turned inland and headed toward Portland on US-26, a.k.a. the Sunset Highway. The last picture is of the Dennis L. Edwards Tunnel and is shown out of sequence as the tunnel is east of the stop shown in the next panel.

This faux lumber camp is about three miles west of Elsie, OR. Behind all the old logging equipment, wood carvings, and the 500 pound doors is a restaurant. The main ridge pole is 85 feet long and weighs around 25 tons. The hostess stand is a hollowed out inverted stump. Aided by Maurie Clark, Gordon Smith started bringing the pieces together in the seventies and opened Camp 18 Restaurant in 1986. I can't report on the food but they have good beer and friendly folks and the menu looks great.

At about 6:30 I reached the most western bit of Columbia River Highway I had found on a map. The signed Historic Columbia River Highway begins about two miles later. There was enough light for a very enjoyable drive but not a lot for picture taking. I've included two photos of the Vista House; One taken from the Portland Women's Forum Viewpoint and the other a bit closer. More tomorrow.

These are the two best (maybe only) neon signs left on the western portion of the HCRH. I ate dinner at Tad's. At least I gave it a good try. The original chicken and dumplings consists of two softball sized dumplings, plenty of chicken, green beans and (although some would consider the main items sufficiently covered) a large bowl of gravy. My waiter claimed that about 40% finish the meal. I made it about halfway. Many years ago, several letters on the east face of Tad's sign went dark. The resulting "CHIC DUMP" just may be permanent.

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